Emily Esterson photoHaving recently returned from the Biennial Staff Seminar in Lexington, I wanted to share with you much of what was made available to the select audience of Masters and staff. First, a note of thanks to whoever booked the block at the Griffin Gate Resort, although I must add that having been spoiled by the Pierre in January, I can only assume that the critic that awarded the Pierre with five stars is not one and the same as he who awarded this one the same honor. To the hotel’s credit, it was clean, comfortable, conveniently located to the meeting site, and the staff was friendly.

MIDDLEBURG, Virginia, January 8, 2014 – The Mosby Heritage Area Association, the Northern Virginia Piedmont preservation and education organization, will host on February 16th at 2:00pm, their annual event, Foxhunting in the Piedmont: History and Future of the Sport, featuring Masters of Foxhounds and enthusiasts for a casual conversation and panel discussion. The event will be held at the Hill School’s Sheila C. Johnson Performing Arts Center at 103 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, Virginia.

The event will bring together current and former Masters of Foxhounds Dr. Will Allison, ex-MFH; Mr. Randy Rouse, MFH; Mr. Jake Carle, ex-MFH; Mr. Turney McKnight; and Mr. Tad Zimmerman, MFH to discuss their respective Hunts and any trends they are noticing in the field. The discussion will end with audience input and questions and will serve as a very informal and entertaining afternoon. This event is great for all ages and interests.

MARSHALL, VA, January 9, 2014- Alexander James will be offering custom fittings at Tri-County Feeds, Etc. on January 30th and 31st from 9 – 5pm. Mr. James crafts the finest in custom equestrian and sporting apparel available.

www.middleburgphoto.comBlistering hot weather has visited Virginia the past 4 weeks; while not unusual this time of season, the length of the hot spell, with temperatures hovering in the high eighties and even reaching into the low nineties, has proved miserable to man and beast alike, but it failed to deter foxhunters who entered this year's N.A. Field Hunter Championships.

On Monday, September 30, the 2013 Field Hunter Championships began at Keswick. Hounds met at Glenwood, a fixture in the neighborhood of James Madison's Montpelier, outside the town of Orange, VA. Contestants from as far away as Florida and Georgia traveled to compete in the event, as well as to enjoy early autumn hunting in Virginia. They were not disappointed; Keswick huntsman Tony Gammel provided a fine day of sport in the lovely rolling countryside as hounds ran across the nearby road, back again, and beyond the fixture into a scenic expanse of woods and cornfields. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a tailgate as five contestants were selected for the finals.

Emily Esterson photoA standing-room-only crowd of prospective and practicing whippers-in gathered at Morven Park on May 25, 2013, the Saturday before the Virginia Foxhound Show, to hear huntsmen from eight respected hunts discuss the art and practice of whipping-in. The seminar provided an interesting mix of wisdom from the older, experienced huntsmen and fresh insights from our bright, younger huntsmen.

Our sport is changing. Coyotes are increasingly becoming the predominant quarry, making new demands on staff in terms of speed and distance. Road traffic is increasing in many hunting countries, posing new safety issues. As a result, many hunt staffs are breaking away from established ways, to the dismay of traditionalists, by utilizing high tech equipment to meet these new challenges. The use of radios, cell phones, tracking collars, and GPS equipment would not have been a serious subject for discussion at a seminar held ten years ago, but were among the topics addressed that day.

Subscribing Membership to the MFHA is open to anyone who cares about the future of country lifestyles and wants their voice and vote to make a difference. You will also receive Covertside magazine 4x a year!